Check out at Indian airports is set to become easier for the ever-increasing number of e-tourist visa holders as the government has sanctioned 964 new posts for the immigration department that checks and monitors people entering and leaving the country.

“The Union home ministry has decided to quickly fill 964 additional posts seeking eligible candidates on deputation from paramilitary forces,” a senior ministry official, who spoke on the condition of anonymity as he is not authorised to speak to media, said.

The official added that Union home secretary Rajiv Mehrishi met all stakeholders in this regard. Earlier, it was decided that only officers of the rank of the sub-inspector will be eligible to join on deputation but the ministry has decided to relax the norms now.

“Even graduate constables familiar with working on a computer will be allowed to join the immigration department,” the official said.

The home ministry wants to start more dedicated desks for e-tourist visa holders as soon as possible. Only 16 airports across the country are notified entry points for e-tourist visa holders. The government recently added five sea ports as dedicated entry points.

The government also recently expanded the scope of e-tourist visa and foreigners from 158 countries can now use it for short-term medical treatment, business trips and conferences.

Around 3,500 e-tourist visas are issued every day and citizens of 150 countries are allowed to come in India through e-visa.